Chapter 142: No, you are not!

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Leaning closer, Ophis stared at Issei for a moment, her gaze unwavering. "You bear the scent of Ddraig, possess his powers, and he is intertwined with your very being. In essence, you are Ddraig... Yet, like Albion, you prefer to be addressed by your host name, I presume? It serves as a convenient cover. I shall continue referring to you as Issei."

Issei raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Ophis' observation. "I have a question for you, Ophis. If you knew I was the Red Dragon Emperor, why didn't you disclose it to Vali or Tiamat back there? Crom Cruach is aware of it as well, yet he remained silent."

Ophis responded in her characteristically emotionless manner, "I instructed Crom Cruach to withhold that information. As for myself, I kept it to myself to prevent unnecessary conflict between you and them. Managing the rivalries between dragons is a delicate task. Bringing the evil dragons together is no easy feat, and I anticipate that fostering cooperation between you and Albion will be equally challenging. My initial plan was to integrate you into the Qlippoth."

Issei felt a sense of confusion settle within him. 'Something doesn't quite add up, Ddraig... Why does Ophis possess knowledge about you but remain oblivious to my connection to Great Red's power? Surely, if she had been following the news in the Underworld, she would have noticed the similarity. Additionally, considering Red had to depart when she approached, one would assume she could sense his power.'

'That is indeed disconcerting. It is possible that she is aware of Great Red but chooses not to address it with you,' Ddraig sighed.

'It's strange, though. If she could sense his power and blood within me, she would have no reason to omit inquiries about Great Red. Ophis appears rather straightforward and direct. I wouldn't expect her to engage in elaborate schemes. Could it be that she is unable to perceive it because of you?' Issei pondered.

'Perhaps... However, let's not jump to conclusions until we have concrete evidence of her awareness or lack thereof,' Ddraig cautioned.

"Intriguing," Issei voiced his curiosity. "How exactly did you manage to convince all those dragons to join your cause?"

Ophis responded matter-of-factly, "To begin, I resurrected them with the assistance of Rizevim Lucifer. Next, I offered them whatever they desired in exchange for their allegiance. Most sought power and vengeance, while a few believed I had a greater purpose for them. They serve as convenient subordinates, but I do not intend to keep their company once my objectives are fulfilled. Should they survive, they are free to pursue their own endeavors."

"So, you are merely using them," Issei retorted, his frustration evident. "What makes you think I would ever consider joining you when you display no regard for them or even for me? You are a dragon god... Naturally, they believe that aligning themselves with you will benefit their own circumstances! Tiamat, for instance, follows you because she believes it will aid dragonkind as a whole!"

Unfazed by his point, Ophis initially appeared indifferent. However, a faint frown crossed her features a moment later. "You desire me to 'care' about you? No one has ever made such a request before. It is not something I comprehend."

"That's likely why Great Red finds you 'lame'..." Issei couldn't help but taunt her.

Ophis's eyes widened imperceptibly, a flicker of emotion crossing her previously passive countenance. Yet, her voice remained devoid of expression as she countered, "How could you possibly claim knowledge of Great Red's thoughts? What leads you to believe he harbors anything other than apathy and irritation toward other beings? His concern extends solely to himself. In that aspect, he is not so dissimilar from myself."

'I believe that confirms it, Issei... She truly remains unaware of your connection to Great Red. Somehow, we find ourselves fortunate in this regard,' Ddraig sighed in relief.

'Red must have done something... It's the only plausible explanation,' Issei replied, his thoughts aligning with Ddraig's.

Issei shrugged dismissively in response to Ophis's question. "I don't know, but personally, I find you lame because you display indifference toward everything except your 'silence.' Look, I may be indifferent about certain things too, but I still care about those who support me and show me respect. I protect the weaker beings who place their faith and trust in me because I possess compassion. These other dragons believe that you have their best interests at heart, yet you remain unconcerned with whether they live or die."

'If Ophis truly lacks any concern for them, I might be able to convince Tiamat and Vali to abandon their allegiance to her,' Issei contemplated, seizing the opportunity.

"You present an unusual request, but I shall strive to fulfill it. I will make an effort to 'care' about you and the other dragons. Is there anything else you desire in addition to that? If it lies within my power to grant, I shall do so in exchange for your loyalty," Ophis declared.

'Wait... What? Does she believe that was my request? I was merely venting my frustrations to her,' Issei thought, incredulous at the turn of events.

"Hold on, Ophis! I do have another request," Issei asserted, his tone serious.

The Infinite Dragon Goddess perked up, her interest piqued. "Yes?"

"Simply leave Great Red alone and refrain from attempting to kill him. If you can do that, I will pledge my allegiance to you. In fact, I will even assist you in finding a secluded place to reside," Issei proposed.

Ophis studied him for a long, awkward moment before responding, "Avoiding Great Red contradicts the purpose of recruiting you in the first place. Why would you make such a request? I fail to discern how it benefits you."

Issei averted his gaze momentarily before answering earnestly, "Consider the aftermath for a moment—the jubilation of countless individuals upon the demise of the Apocalypse Dragon. What would prevent them from seeking your demise next?"

"They would never succeed in killing me, for I am too powerful," Ophis began to assert, but Issei cut her off abruptly.

"No, you are not."

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